The Roscommon county council staff staged their second one-day strike yesterday which received cover from RTÉ. The picket line is set to grow too as the council's SIPTU/LAPO (Local Government Professional Officers) Roscommon branch also balloted in favour of industrial action amidst the battle for flexi-leave. As I'm sure you're aware, Fórsa branches from across the country and various other trade union colleagues marched through the streets of Roscommon town in support of the workers' efforts last Saturday so in case you missed it or if you want to try spot yourself in the crowd, here's a video roundup of the day.
A Bill being described as "milestone" legislation has passed through the Dáil and Seanad giving parents a clear legal entitlement to financial support for childcare. Meanwhile the Cabinet has approved legislation to compel companies to report the gender pay gap in their enterprises. However, this undermines a similar bill currently being piloted through the Oireachtas which is awaiting report stage in the Seanad. Fórsa have voiced concerns that going back to the beginning of the legislative process with the Government Bill would further delay its introduction and "could risk killing the initiative”.
It's emerged the HSE spends €800,000 a day on agency staff instead of permanent employees.
The Irish Government has today agreed that Ireland will offer refuge to about 25 migrants who are currently on a boat stranded 30km off the coast of Malta.
Drew Harris was yesterday announced as the new Garda Commissioner. He's currently Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI and is due to take up his new post in September.
Independent TD Michael Lowry was hit with a €25,000 fine after he filed incorrect corporation tax. The jury of three women and eight men returned the verdict yesterday on day 12 of the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following just over eight and half hours deliberation.
The good weather is set to last, with top temperatures likely to exceed 27C and possibly reach 30C over the next few days, the HSE has issued hot weather advice.
And finally, if you've ever fallen victim to the Irish mentality of "it's too hot to cook so we'll just have salad for dinner" then this Guardian article may serve you well.
